High heel shoe desk organizer

ABSTRACT

A desk organizer having the shape of a lady&#39;s high heel shoe includes one or more portions configured to retain office supplies therein, such as paper clips, notepads and writing instruments. The desk organizer is unsuitable for wear as a shoe by a person and includes an elongated sole portion having a toe portion, an inclined heel portion, and an intermediate portion between the toe portion and inclined heel portion. A heel extends downwardly from the inclined heel portion and supports the inclined heel portion. A portion of the heel is hollow and defines a chamber therein that terminates at an opening in the inclined heel portion. The chamber is configured to retain one or more writing instruments disposed therein. The toe portion is configured to retain a plurality of paper clips disposed therein, and the intermediate portion is configured to retain a notepad disposed thereon.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to article holders and, more particularly, to holders for office supplies and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Desk organizers for holding various office accessories, such as pens, pencils, memo pads, papers, documents and envelopes, clips, scissors, business cards, and the like, are known. These organizers are advantageous in that the can help eliminate desk clutter. Unfortunately, many such organizers lack distinctiveness and are not aesthetically pleasing. Thus, there is a need for desk organizers that are distinctive and more aesthetically pleasing from a visual point of view.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above discussion, a desk organizer having the shape of a lady's high heel shoe is provided that includes one or more portions configured to retain office supplies therein, such as paper clips, notepads and writing instruments. The desk organizer is unsuitable for wear as a shoe by a person. Unlike an actual shoe that can be worn, the desk organizer is substantially rigid, is too small for a person's foot, is not capable of supporting the weight of a person, and includes a notepad retaining member extending from the surface of the sole.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a desk organizer in the shape of a high heel shoe includes an elongated sole portion having a toe portion, an inclined heel portion, and an intermediate portion between the toe portion and inclined heel portion. A heel extends downwardly from the inclined heel portion and supports the inclined heel portion. The toe portion is configured to retain a plurality of paper clips disposed therein, and the intermediate portion is configured to retain notepads disposed thereon.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a desk organizer in the shape of a high heel shoe includes an elongated sole portion having a toe portion, an inclined heel portion, and an intermediate portion between the toe portion and inclined heel portion. A heel extends downwardly from the inclined heel portion and supports the inclined heel portion. A portion of the heel is hollow and defines a chamber therein that terminates at an opening in the inclined heel portion. The chamber is configured to retain one or more writing instruments disposed therein through the opening. The toe portion is configured to retain a plurality of paper clips disposed therein.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a desk organizer in the shape of a high heel shoe includes an elongated sole portion having a toe portion, an inclined heel portion, and an intermediate portion between the toe portion and inclined heel portion. A heel extends downwardly from the inclined heel portion and supports the inclined heel portion. A portion of the heel is hollow and defines a chamber therein that terminates at an opening in the inclined heel portion. The chamber is configured to retain one or more writing instruments disposed therein through the opening. The intermediate portion is configured to retain notepads disposed thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a desk organizer, according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the desk organizer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the desk organizer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the desk organizer of FIG. 1, with various office supplies stored therewithin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In the figures, the thickness of certain lines, layers, components, elements or features may be exaggerated for clarity. Broken lines illustrate optional features or operations unless specified otherwise. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, phrases such as “between X and Y” and “between about X and Y” should be interpreted to include X and Y. As used herein, phrases such as “between about X and Y” mean “between about X and about Y.” As used herein, phrases such as “from about X to Y” mean “from about X to about Y.”

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on”, “attached” to, “connected” to, “coupled” with, “contacting”, etc., another element, it can be directly on, attached to, connected to, coupled with or contacting the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being, for example, “directly on”, “directly attached” to, “directly connected” to, “directly coupled” with or “directly contacting” another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both an orientation of “over” and “under”. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and the like are used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicated otherwise.

It will be understood that, although the terms “first”, “second”, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a “first” element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could also be termed a “second” element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention. The sequence of operations (or steps) is not limited to the order presented in the claims or figures unless specifically indicated otherwise.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, a desk organizer 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated and includes one or more portions that are designed to retain office supplies therein. The illustrated desk organizer 10 has the shape of a lady's high heel shoe, however, the desk organizer 10 is unsuitable for wear as a shoe by a person. The desk organizer 10 is too small for a person's foot and is not capable of supporting the weight of a person. For example, the desk organizer 10 has a length L of less than or equal to 6 inches, and a width W of less than or equal to 3.5 inches, and preferably a length L of less than or equal to 5 inches, and a width W of less than or equal to 2.5 inches.

The illustrated desk organizer 10 includes an elongated rigid sole portion 12 having a rigid toe portion 14, an inclined rigid heel portion 16, and a rigid intermediate portion 18 between the toe portion 14 and inclined heel portion 16. A rigid heel 20 extends downwardly from the inclined heel portion 16 and supports the inclined heel portion 16 when the desk organizer 10 is in an operative position (i.e., when the desk organizer 10 is on a generally horizontal surface). The illustrated heel 20 is a spike heel (also referred to as a stiletto heel). However, other styles of high heels may be utilized, without limitation.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the toe portion 14 is configured to retain a plurality of paper clips 40 disposed therein, and the intermediate portion 18 is configured to retain a notepad 42 disposed thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the heel 20 is hollow and defines a chamber 22 therein that terminates at an opening 24 in the inclined heel portion 16. The chamber 22 is configured to retain one or more writing instruments 44 disposed therein. The opening 24 and chamber 22 may have various sizes and shapes without limitation. Moreover, there may be multiple openings 24.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the toe portion 14 includes a magnet 26 that is configured to removably retain paper clips within the toe portion 14, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, the magnet 26 is disposed within a recessed portion 13 of the sole adjacent the toe portion 14. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. One or more magnets may be embedded or partially embedded within the material of the sole 12 at the toe portion 14. Alternatively, one or more magnets may be located on the exposed surface 12 a of the sole at the toe portion 14.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sole intermediate portion 18 includes a member 28 that extends outwardly from the sole surface 12 a. The member 28 defines a shelf upon which one or more notepads (or other objects) can be supported.

In the illustrated embodiment, a rigid shoe upper 30 extends over the toe portion 14. The sole 12 includes a rigid raised edge 32 that extends around the periphery of the sole beginning at the shoe upper 30, as illustrated. A decorative article 34 is secured to the rigid shoe upper 30. The illustrated decorative article 34 has the shape of a gemstone. However, decorative articles of all types and shapes may be utilized, without limitation.

Unlike an actual shoe that can be worn, the desk organizer 10 is substantially rigid. For example, the sole 12, toe portion 14, inclined heel portion 16, intermediate portion 18 rigid heel 20, and rigid raised edge 32 are formed from substantially rigid material including, but not limited to, rigid polymeric material, wood, metal, glass, etc. The desk organizer 10 may be formed from a single piece of rigid material, or may be the combination of various rigid pieces of material. For example, the sole 12 and heel 20 may be separate rigid pieces joined together.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the toe portion 14 and/or the heel 20 of the desk organizer 10 may include additional weight to help maintain the desk organizer 10 in the operative position. For example, the toe portion 14 and/or heel 20 may include weights and/or may include heavier/denser material. Moreover, the toe portion 14 and/or heel 20 may be configured to be removably secured to a surface, such as via adhesive, hook and loop fasteners, and the like. The desk organizer 10 may also be mounted to a platform or other supporting structure.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the desk organizer 10 may include promotional indicia. If the desk organizer 10 is mounted to a supporting platform, the platform may also include promotional indicia.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the sole upper surface 12 a may have a decorative appearance. For example, the sole upper surface 12 a may have decorative material and/or designs thereon. Moreover, the material of the desk organizer 10 may have one or more colors and/or one or more designs.

The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. The invention is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein. 

1. A desk organizer in the shape of a shoe having a heel, and that comprises one or more portions configured to retain office supplies therein, wherein the desk organizer is unwearable as a shoe by a person.
 2. The desk organizer of claim 1, comprising a portion configured to retain paper clips therein.
 3. The desk organizer of claim 1, comprising a portion configured to retain a notepad thereon.
 4. The desk organizer of claim 1, comprising a portion configured to retain one or more writing instruments therein.
 5. The desk organizer of claim 1, comprising: an elongated sole portion having a toe portion, an inclined heel portion, and an intermediate portion between the toe portion and inclined heel portion; and a heel extending downwardly from the inclined heel portion that supports the inclined heel portion; wherein the toe portion is configured to retain a plurality of paper clips disposed therein.
 6. The desk organizer of claim 5, wherein the toe portion comprises a magnet that is configured to removably retain paper clips within the toe portion.
 7. The desk organizer of claim 1, comprising: an elongated sole portion having a toe portion, an inclined heel portion, and an intermediate portion between the toe portion and inclined heel portion; and a heel extending downwardly from the inclined heel portion that supports the inclined heel portion; wherein the intermediate portion is configured to retain a notepad disposed thereon.
 8. The desk organizer of claim 7, wherein the intermediate portion comprises a member extending outwardly from the sole that defines a shelf configured to support a notepad disposed thereon.
 9. The desk organizer of claim 1, comprising: an elongated sole portion having a toe portion, an inclined heel portion, and an intermediate portion between the toe portion and inclined heel portion; and a heel extending downwardly from the inclined heel portion that supports the inclined heel portion, wherein the heel is hollow and defines a chamber therein that terminates at an opening in the inclined heel portion, wherein the chamber is configured to retain one or more writing instruments disposed therein.
 10. The desk organizer of claim 1, wherein the desk organizer has a length of less than or equal to 5 inches.
 11. The desk organizer of claim 1, wherein the desk organizer has a width of less than or equal to 2.5 inches.
 12. The desk organizer of claim 1, wherein the desk organizer is substantially rigid.
 13. A desk organizer in the shape of a shoe having a heel, comprising: an elongated sole portion having a toe portion, an inclined heel portion, and an intermediate portion between the toe portion and inclined heel portion; and a heel extending downwardly from the inclined heel portion that supports the inclined heel portion; wherein the toe portion is configured to retain a plurality of paper clips disposed therein, wherein the intermediate portion is configured to retain a notepad disposed thereon, and wherein the desk organizer is unwearable as a shoe by a person.
 14. A desk organizer in the shape of a shoe having a heel, comprising: an elongated sole portion having a toe portion, an inclined heel portion, and an intermediate portion between the toe portion and inclined heel portion; and a heel extending downwardly from the inclined heel portion that supports the inclined heel portion, wherein the heel is hollow and defines a chamber therein that terminates at an opening in the inclined heel portion, wherein the chamber is configured to retain one or more writing instruments disposed therein; wherein the toe portion is configured to retain a plurality of paper clips disposed therein, and wherein the desk organizer is unwearable as a shoe by a person.
 15. A desk organizer in the shape of a shoe having a heel, comprising: an elongated sole portion having a toe portion, an inclined heel portion, and an intermediate portion between the toe portion and inclined heel portion; and a heel extending downwardly from the inclined heel portion that supports the inclined heel portion, wherein the heel is hollow and defines a chamber therein that terminates at an opening in the inclined heel portion, wherein the chamber is configured to retain one or more writing instruments disposed therein; wherein the intermediate portion is configured to retain a notepad disposed thereon, and wherein the desk organizer is unwearable as a shoe by a person. 